Centella asiatica (Mandukaparni)

Family: Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae)

Centella asiatica (Mandukaparni): The Mind-Calming Herb for Nerve and Skin Rejuvenation

Centella asiatica, commonly known as Mandukaparni, Gotu Kola, or Indian Pennywort, is a revered herb in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Known as a Medhya Rasayana in classical Ayurveda, Mandukaparni is used to enhance cognition, calm the nervous system, and accelerate wound healing. Modern research continues to explore its neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and skin-regenerating properties, making it a widely used herb in adaptogenic supplements and dermatological care.

What is Mandukaparni?

Mandukaparni is a low-growing, creeping perennial herb with fan-shaped leaves that resemble a frog’s foot—hence the Sanskrit name Mandukaparni (“frog-leafed”). It bears small pink or white flowers and thrives in damp, marshy soils.
In Ayurveda, Mandukaparni is categorized as a cooling, bitter, and sweet herb with rejuvenating properties. It balances all three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and is particularly beneficial for the mind, nerves, skin, and blood circulation.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is known as Ji Xue Cao, used to "cool the blood" and support skin, liver, and brain health.

Where Does It Grow?

Geographical Distribution

Centella asiatica is native to:

It also grows in the southern United States and parts of South America as a naturalized herb.

India and Sri Lanka

Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia)

Madagascar

Australia

South Africa

Climate

Tropical to subtropical with high humidity

Habitat

Marshy wetlands, riverbanks, and paddy fields

Soil

Moist, fertile loam or clay soils

Altitude

Sea level to 1800 meters

Ideal Growing Conditions

It is commonly cultivated or collected from wild habitats, especially in regions with seasonal rains and swampy terrain.

Parts Used and Phytochemical Constituents

The whole aerial plant, including leaves and stems, is used medicinally.

Key Active Compounds:

The triterpenoid glycosides, particularly asiaticoside and madecassoside, are primarily responsible for Centella’s wound-healing and collagen-boosting properties.

Enhances memory, concentration, and mental clarity
Reduces anxiety, restlessness, and mental fatigue
Acts as a neuroprotective agent in cognitive decline and stress-induced brain aging
Supports learning in children and cognitive longevity in older adults

Used in classical formulations such as Brahmi Ghrita and Saraswatarishta.

Topically applied as ointments, creams, or gels in wound care and cosmetic dermatology.

Therapeutic Benefits of Mandukaparni

Mandukaparni is a powerful adaptogen, cognitive enhancer, and tissue rejuvenator. It is especially valuable in conditions involving stress, inflammation, poor memory, wound healing, and varicose veins.

How to Use Mandukaparni Safely

Mandukaparni is considered gentle and is suitable for long-term use when taken in appropriate doses.

Common Forms

Powder (Churna): Taken with ghee, honey, or warm water
Juice (Swarasa): Fresh extract for mental clarity and skin health
Capsules/Tablets: Standardized extracts with known triterpenoid content
Infusions or teas: Mild nervine tonics
Topical creams or gels: For wound healing, scarring, and dermatological issues

Pregnancy and lactation: Use only under medical supervision
Liver disorders: Rare hepatotoxic reactions reported with long-term, high-dose use
Sedative medications: May enhance effects of CNS depressants
Surgery: Discontinue at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery due to potential blood sugar effects

Modern pharmacological studies confirm many of Mandukaparni’s traditional uses, particularly for cognitive health, skin repair, and circulation.

Key Research Highlights:

Cognition: Clinical trials show improvement in working memory, focus, and mood in healthy adults and elderly individuals.
Wound Healing: Topical use accelerates epithelialization, collagen deposition, and scar remodeling.
Venous Insufficiency: Centella extract improves microcirculation, reduces edema, and strengthens venous tone.
Neuroprotection: Animal models demonstrate protection against oxidative stress and neuronal degeneration.

Centella is widely used in cosmeceutical formulations, anti-aging products, and nootropic blends globally.

Centella asiatica (Mandukaparni) stands as a botanical bridge between mental wellness, skin repair, and holistic rejuvenation. Rooted in classical Ayurveda and validated by modern science, it offers a safe, natural approach to support memory, stress resilience, wound healing, and vascular health.

Whether taken as a daily adaptogen, a brain tonic, or a topical skin remedy, Mandukaparni is a gentle yet powerful herb for long-term well-being, ideal for today’s fast-paced lifestyle and wellness needs.

Precautions and Contraindications

Centella asiatica is generally safe but may require caution in certain conditions or when used at high doses.

References

1. Orhan, I. E. (2012). Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: From traditional medicine to modern medicine with neuroprotective potential. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 946259. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/946259

2. Bálek, L., et al. (2022). Wound healing activity of Centella asiatica extracts: A systematic review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 282, 114602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114602

3. Gohil, K. J., Patel, J. A., Gajjar, A. K. (2010). Pharmacological review on Centella asiatica: A potential herbal cure-all. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 72(5), 546–556.

4. James, J. T., Dubery, I. A. (2009). Pentacyclic triterpenoids from the medicinal herb, Centella asiatica (L.) Urban. Molecules, 14(10), 3922–3941. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules14103922

5. Widyarini, S., et al. (2007). Enhancement of wound healing by ethanol extract of Centella asiatica in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 109(1), 158–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2006.07.038